History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v3.c43.29

v3.c43.29

Aparārka (p. 290) quotes the Mahābhārata for defining iṣṭa and pūrta¹⁹⁹² 'whatever is offered in the single fire (i. e. gṛhya fire) and what is offered in the three śrauta fires and the gifts made inside the vedi (in śrauta sacrifices) are called *iṣṭa*; while dedication of deep wells, oblong large wells and tanks, temples, distribution of food, and maintaining public gardens—these are called pūrta.' Aparārka quotes Nārada also 'Honouring a guest and performance of vaiśvadeva constitute *iṣṭa* while the dedication of tanks, wells, temples, places for public distribution of food and gardens is called pūrta and also gifts made at the time of eclipses, or on the sun's passage in a zodiacal sign or on the 12th day of a month.' Hemadri (Dāna p. 20) quotes Śaṅkha that nursing of those who are ill constitutes pūrta. Manu (IV. 226-227) ordains 'one should always assiduously perform *iṣṭa* and *pūrta*, which when done with śraddhā and with wealth justly acquired become inexhaustible. One should ever resort to dānadharma (that mode of dharma which consists in gifts) which is either iṣṭa or pūrta, according to one's means, after meeting a worthy person (as recipient) and with a pleased attitude of mind.'